Spotify has reportedly started laying the groundwork for a push into Japan and Indonesia. The company currently has a small team on the ground in Japan and is currently looking to hire a financial controller in that market. Spotify is also hiring a music editor in Indonesia, although it will be based out of its headquarters in Singapore. Continue Reading
Google has launched its Play Music streaming service in Japan. A subscription will cost ¥980 per month, but Google is offering the first 30 days as a free trial. For those who register by Oct. 18, they will lock in a discounted monthly rate of ¥780. The service will be available on Android smartphones and tablets and on iPhones. Continue Reading
Japan’s listeners have been resistant to adopting digital options for music, but the first half of 2015 revealed some progress for streaming in the country. Streaming subscriptions increased 43% in the first six months of the year to 5.04 billion yen ($42 million). Continue Reading
Line Music has officially launched in Japan. It will offer two price tiers, the first costing 500 yen (about $4) a month for 20 hours of streaming. The second tier costs 1,000 yen (about $8) for unlimited listening on the platform. The streaming service is owned by Japan-based messaging company Line, and it also has involvement from Universal Music Japan. Continue Reading
Line Music may have received an important vote of confidence from the Japanese arm of Universal Music. The major label has bought into the new music channel of the popular messaging app, according to Complete Music Update. Japan boasts a complicated music market, where CDs are still the dominant listening format. Continue Reading